Amy* arrived in Florida from Asia in August of 2023. Although familiar with the culture in the U.S., as she’d done one year of undergrad in Michigan, she still experienced loneliness.
“I often felt homesick,” Amy said. “It’s hard to connect with others in your second language, even more so when you’re an introvert. It was a battle between not wanting to be lonely and not wanting to go out.”
Her loneliness was alleviated once she connected with IFI Gainesville, also known as Global Connections, as they welcomed her to their programs. Amy met Isabel, her Friendship Partner, who took her out for fun activities. She also got plugged into a Thursday night Family Group, where they had dinners together and read the Bible.
“They’ve become my best friends here,” Amy stated. “I don’t have to be cool or have perfect English– they welcome me as I am.”
Not only did Amy have new friends, but a new curiosity for Jesus also began to grow. She was skeptical, asking questions and trying to debunk what she learned. But as she delved deeper into the Bible, the truth became undeniable—Jesus was real.
By the end of that year, she decided to follow Jesus. Now, she speaks of the freedom, joy, and purpose she’s found in Christ and hopes her story can inspire others to find the same hope and meaning:
“Jesus gave me a reason,” Amy explained. “Once I found Him, there was no turning back. He gives us true freedom and can handle our heavy burdens.”
*student name and photo changed to protect privacy